RE-USABLE PAD MAKING COURSE OUTLINE

Course Overview

The Re-Usable Pad Making Course at Zebra Liquid Enterprises is a 1-month vocational training program aimed at equipping participants with practical skills to produce sustainable, eco-friendly menstrual pads. This course addresses both health and economic empowerment, offering participants the opportunity to produce high-quality reusable pads for personal use, local sale, or distribution through health initiatives.

Designed for unemployed youth, community groups, and individuals seeking to start a social enterprise or small business, the course combines technical skills with business and marketing strategies. Graduates will be empowered to tackle menstrual hygiene challenges, contribute to environmental conservation, and build sustainable livelihoods.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Understand the importance of menstrual hygiene and the role of reusable pads.

2. Learn technical skills for making reusable pads with absorbent and waterproof layers.

3. Acquire knowledge of material selection for comfort, durability, and sustainability.

4. Gain quality control skills to ensure hygiene and user safety.

5. Develop entrepreneurial skills to start a small pad-making business or supply schools and communities.

6. Understand the basics of business management, marketing, and product distribution.

Course Structure and Topics

Week 1: Introduction to Menstrual Hygiene and Pad Design

• Overview of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHM)

• Social Impact of Reusable Pads: Reducing waste, supporting education, and empowering women.

• Introduction to Pad-Making Tools and Materials: Sewing machines, fabrics, waterproof layers, and fasteners.

• Types of Reusable Pads: Day pads, night pads, and pantyliners.

• Product Design Basics: Sizing, stitching patterns, and ergonomic comfort.

Hands-On Practice:

• Designing a basic reusable pad template.

• Selecting appropriate materials for absorbency and leakage protection.

Week 2: Pad Production Techniques

• Step-by-Step Production: Cutting, layering, and stitching absorbent materials.

• Waterproof Layer Integration: Techniques for adding PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) or similar materials.

• Fastening Methods: Snaps, buttons, or velcro for adjustable fit.

• Quality Assurance: Inspecting stitching, seams, and absorbency.

• Hygiene and Care Guidelines: Washing, drying, and maintaining reusable pads.

Hands-On Practice:

• Producing day and night pads with absorbent cores.

• Adding fasteners and waterproof linings.

Week 3: Scaling Production and Ensuring Product Quality

• Mass Production Techniques: Streamlining processes for bulk production.

• Packaging and Labeling: Creating user-friendly instructions and eco-friendly packaging.

• Health Standards and Compliance: Meeting Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) requirements.

• Sourcing Materials Locally: Identifying cost-effective suppliers for fabrics and accessories.

Hands-On Practice:

• Packaging reusable pads with educational inserts.

• Inspecting finished products for quality control compliance.

Week 4: Business Skills and Market Preparation

• Business Finance and Costing: Budgeting for production and setting prices.

• Branding and Product Promotion: Building a brand that emphasizes health, sustainability, and social impact.

• Marketing Strategies and Sales Channels: Selling to schools, NGOs, clinics, and women’s groups.

• Partnerships and Distribution Networks: Working with community health programs and local markets.

• Creating a Business Plan: Roadmap for launching a pad-making business.

Hands-On Practice:

• Preparing a business plan for a reusable pad venture.

• Creating a simple marketing strategy targeted at schools or health organizations.

Training Approach

• Trainer-Learner Ratio: 1 trainer per 30 learners for personalized instruction.

• 80% Practical Learning: Focus on hands-on production and packaging.

• Follow-Up Support:

  • 6 months of mentorship to assist with product development and business growth.

  • Market linkages to connect participants with health NGOs and local markets.

  • Guidance on obtaining UNBS certification to ensure product quality.

Assessment and Certification

Participants will be assessed through:

1. Practical Production Task: Making complete sets of reusable pads.

2. Business Plan Presentation: Developing and pitching a small-scale pad-making business idea.

Graduates will receive a Certificate of Competency from Zebra Liquid Enterprises, with additional support for DIT certification if required.

Target Audience

• Unemployed youth, community health workers, and women’s groups interested in menstrual hygiene solutions.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start social enterprises or health-based businesses.

• NGOs and individuals working to improve menstrual health in underserved areas.

Community Impact and Market Access

Through this program, Zebra Liquid Enterprises aims to address menstrual hygiene challenges while fostering economic empowerment. Graduates are connected with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) to access startup capital. Additionally, the course provides linkages to health organizations, schools, and NGOs to support product distribution and market access.

Why Choose Zebra Liquid Enterprises for Re-Usable Pad Making Training?

• Proven Track Record: Trained over 10,000 beneficiaries in various vocational skills.

• Hands-On Learning Approach: 80% practical training with expert guidance.

• Ongoing Mentorship and Market Access: 6 months of follow-up to ensure success.

• Social Impact Focus: Empowering communities through health solutions and entrepreneurship.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, and schools.

Enroll in Zebra Liquid Enterprises' Re-Usable Pad Making Course to gain the skills you need to empower communities and create sustainable businesses. With hands-on training, business mentorship, and access to markets, this course offers the perfect opportunity to turn a health challenge into a business opportunity.